Local statistics show the opioid crisis in Sarnia-Lambton is not improving.
Lambton Public Health's April Opioid Surveillance Bulletin showed Lambton EMS responded to a total of 109 opioid overdose related calls between January and the end of April of this year, up from 80 in the first four months of 2021.
Lambton Public Health Mental Health and Addictions Program Coordinator Ashlee Brown said the number of emergency department visits were steady in comparison, however, still higher than the provincial rate. Brown said the local opioid related death toll is also above the provincial average. In 2021, there were 36 deaths for an average of 28.5 per 100,000 population, well above the provincial rate of 18.8, but still down from the 42 local deaths recorded in 2020.
"The numbers that I have do speak to that, that we have exceeded that rate both in 2020 and in 2021," said Brown. "So in 2021, most opioid related deaths in Lambton County were among individuals who were aged 25 to 44 years, and this is followed by individuals who were aged 45-64 years. This is true at the provincial level as well, with 53 per cent of opioid related deaths occurring in those aged 25 to 44 years, and approximately 36 per cent in those who are 45 to 64 years."
Brown reminds drug users to be prepared.
"We do have that harm reduction space open, so individuals are able to come in and get the supplies that they may be looking for as well as naloxone kits," she said. "And of course, going to a local pharmacy, they will have them available as well there."
Drug users are also reminded the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects you from simple possession charges, in the event you have to report an overdose or call 911.
